The disciples needed to understand Jesus' identity before He could teach them properly about His death. The disciples needed to know who Jesus was, so that they could fully understand why He came.
Peter was thinking from a human perspective only, not from God's...and because of that, it was warped by Satan.
v34-38 The choice of following Jesus is an all or nothing choice - you either are, or you are not. The decision you make will have implications on the day of judgement.
In seeing Moses & Elijah there, this was affirmation of Jesus being all that the Law & the Prophets had said. However, this experience was going to show them Jesus truly was sent from God.
The question raised in the minds of the disciples was who was Jesus and why did we first have the Prophets - the reason was to show Jesus was enough and far superior than the Prophets.
When Jesus returned to the rest of the disciples, he saw their lack of faith. It is a reminder of our need for complete dependence on Jesus and not at all on ourselves.
Spiritually, the way to become great is to become less - become a servant of all. Be like a little child - welcome them.
Jesus tells the disciples not to behave the way they did, because:
Those who do miracles are tied inextricably with Jesus' teaching
Those who do good will not lose their reward (ie: they will not be forgotten)
It is better to enter the kingdom of God in a right position before God than to have think you're right & be exposed for what you are.
Deal with sin thoroughly.
Friday, 31 May 2013
Thursday, 30 May 2013
Mark 7:1-8:26 Jesus does all things well
Earnestness is not what saves us. We must remember to hold to the commands of God and hold loosely (if at all) to the traditions of humans.
We must remember outward appearances count for nothing. Rather, it is what is on the inside that matters.
The disciples were human in their attitudes and actions - they looked at outward appearances, whilst God looked at the heart.
Jesus has a real sense of calling to Israelites, but He shows graciousness to the woman in the midst of her circumstances.
The deaf man would have wondered what Jesus was doing, however, they showed him how Jesus graciously responds to the needs he has.
Friends are the people responsible for bringing those who can't help themselves to Jesus. We should do the same.
8:1-9 Jesus demonstrates His compassion. He shows concern and care, and He completely satisfies.
Jesus used the bread as an example - He was aware of the dangers of the Pharisees and of Herod. He warns against both.
To bring someone else to Jesus, we recognise He is all they need, not us.
We must remember outward appearances count for nothing. Rather, it is what is on the inside that matters.
The disciples were human in their attitudes and actions - they looked at outward appearances, whilst God looked at the heart.
Jesus has a real sense of calling to Israelites, but He shows graciousness to the woman in the midst of her circumstances.
The deaf man would have wondered what Jesus was doing, however, they showed him how Jesus graciously responds to the needs he has.
Friends are the people responsible for bringing those who can't help themselves to Jesus. We should do the same.
8:1-9 Jesus demonstrates His compassion. He shows concern and care, and He completely satisfies.
Jesus used the bread as an example - He was aware of the dangers of the Pharisees and of Herod. He warns against both.
To bring someone else to Jesus, we recognise He is all they need, not us.
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Mark 5:21-6:56 Fear & faith
To enjoy the experience of Christ's saving power, we must have faith. It is often lacking because we view ourselves, rather than Christ Himself. Faith must resist unbelief or self-belief.
The disciples were puzzled in 5:30 by Jesus' question, as the crowds were huge. Jesus waited to see the woman's faith in action. Her actions demonstrated faith in the midst of hostility and cynicism.
Jesus' methods of preparation were clear instructions/strategy, a demonstration of faith and a sense of authority from God. There was an importance to community and going to those whom God had chosen.
Herod's character was populist - he did only what would bring him acceptance and favour. He was dishonourable.
In feeding the 5000, the disciples had to learn they were incapable and human ways were impossible. They also needed to realise that only Jesus could provide so that the people were fully satisfied.
The disciples got into difficulty because they obeyed Christ's command. Jesus requires that we call out for Him - He only comes when we want Him.
The disciples were puzzled in 5:30 by Jesus' question, as the crowds were huge. Jesus waited to see the woman's faith in action. Her actions demonstrated faith in the midst of hostility and cynicism.
Jesus' methods of preparation were clear instructions/strategy, a demonstration of faith and a sense of authority from God. There was an importance to community and going to those whom God had chosen.
Herod's character was populist - he did only what would bring him acceptance and favour. He was dishonourable.
In feeding the 5000, the disciples had to learn they were incapable and human ways were impossible. They also needed to realise that only Jesus could provide so that the people were fully satisfied.
The disciples got into difficulty because they obeyed Christ's command. Jesus requires that we call out for Him - He only comes when we want Him.
Tuesday, 28 May 2013
Mark 4:1-5:20 Seeds sown, miracles shown
The seed sown will land on different soil, and only some will bear fruit. The Kingdom will come to those whom God has given it. Success is only shown by fruit that bears more fruit and proves the test of time.
I need to be repeatedly asking "Is the word of God bearing fruit in my life and in others?" - if not, then I need to ask if it really is taking root.
The responsibility rests on the hearer - we must use what we are given to bring glory to God through obedience. We thus have spiritual privilege that must lead to spiritual progress.
Jesus came to bring seed to be sown, but His second coming will be to return for His harvest. We need to remember that we are here to bear fruit.
The disciples were surprised that Jesus didn't seem to care, but He was surprised they were so afraid and seemed to have no faith. They were so fearful of their own lives that this miracle seemed much more personal to them.
Jesus showed compassion and care, when others had no time for him. When you can't explain something, the natural response is going to be one of fear, which explains why the crowds asked Him to leave.
It may be the best form of witness to leave when people want you to.
I need to be repeatedly asking "Is the word of God bearing fruit in my life and in others?" - if not, then I need to ask if it really is taking root.
The responsibility rests on the hearer - we must use what we are given to bring glory to God through obedience. We thus have spiritual privilege that must lead to spiritual progress.
Jesus came to bring seed to be sown, but His second coming will be to return for His harvest. We need to remember that we are here to bear fruit.
The disciples were surprised that Jesus didn't seem to care, but He was surprised they were so afraid and seemed to have no faith. They were so fearful of their own lives that this miracle seemed much more personal to them.
Jesus showed compassion and care, when others had no time for him. When you can't explain something, the natural response is going to be one of fear, which explains why the crowds asked Him to leave.
It may be the best form of witness to leave when people want you to.
Monday, 27 May 2013
Mark 3:7-35 Fear & loathing in Galilee
Jesus knew the potential of being crowded out by the urgency of the masses. He withdrew, as was his wont. He took His disciples - He kept the main thing the main thing, only committing to those who were His core business.
Twelve disciples later become apostles - they started as learners and then became those on a mission. We must remember this in our own lives.
His family were those who apparently were concerned about Jesus' mental state.
His response shows the absurdity of their belief/assertion.
It shows that His power comes from God Himself.
He then gives a warning that if they are not careful they will commit the eternal sin.
Jesus recognises who His family are, but also says there are His spiritual kinsmen. He wants people to know they can belong to His family by doing God's will.
In chs 1-3, Jesus comes across as being hassled by crowds, but completely focused on God's task and the priority of spending time doing His Father's will.
Jesus provokes reactions of hatred, hostility, humility and gratitude. We must remember this will always be the case.
Twelve disciples later become apostles - they started as learners and then became those on a mission. We must remember this in our own lives.
His family were those who apparently were concerned about Jesus' mental state.
His response shows the absurdity of their belief/assertion.
It shows that His power comes from God Himself.
He then gives a warning that if they are not careful they will commit the eternal sin.
Jesus recognises who His family are, but also says there are His spiritual kinsmen. He wants people to know they can belong to His family by doing God's will.
In chs 1-3, Jesus comes across as being hassled by crowds, but completely focused on God's task and the priority of spending time doing His Father's will.
Jesus provokes reactions of hatred, hostility, humility and gratitude. We must remember this will always be the case.
Sunday, 26 May 2013
Mark 1:16-3:6 The Costly Callings
Jesus' authority exercised:
In His call to Simon and Andrew - calling them to leave their nets, which they immediately do, then James and John.
Jesus' authority is shown in His teaching and His casting out of evil spirits. He then shows His authority in healing many and various diseases and driving out demons.
The Galilean fisherman were to become personal soul-winners by leaving what they knew and changing it to fishing people. The conditions were unconditional surrender and absolute obedience.
Jesus' first thought is to get up and spend time alone in prayer - He attempts to do this, but various hinderances stop Him - the disciples, the crowds, the leprous man. We are now commanded to go into all the world - we MUST be obedient to Jesus' command and call.
Jesus could see beyond the crowd. He could see beyond what people's outward appearance was and could see what people were thinking. He responded accordingly He was proving He really is God.
Jesus always responded simply by showing in different ways that He is God - people will always have questions, God will always have answers. Whether people will take time to listen is another matter.
Jesus was above the laws - He is the Lord of all. He left those who judged Him as those condemned, rather than those they thought were sinful. Jesus often surprises.
In His call to Simon and Andrew - calling them to leave their nets, which they immediately do, then James and John.
Jesus' authority is shown in His teaching and His casting out of evil spirits. He then shows His authority in healing many and various diseases and driving out demons.
The Galilean fisherman were to become personal soul-winners by leaving what they knew and changing it to fishing people. The conditions were unconditional surrender and absolute obedience.
Jesus' first thought is to get up and spend time alone in prayer - He attempts to do this, but various hinderances stop Him - the disciples, the crowds, the leprous man. We are now commanded to go into all the world - we MUST be obedient to Jesus' command and call.
Jesus could see beyond the crowd. He could see beyond what people's outward appearance was and could see what people were thinking. He responded accordingly He was proving He really is God.
Jesus always responded simply by showing in different ways that He is God - people will always have questions, God will always have answers. Whether people will take time to listen is another matter.
Jesus was above the laws - He is the Lord of all. He left those who judged Him as those condemned, rather than those they thought were sinful. Jesus often surprises.
Saturday, 25 May 2013
Numbers 32-35, Mark 1:1-15 Bloodshed and atonement & The Beginning of THE Good News
Ch 32 Reuben & Gad wanted to stay where there were & not fight. Moses was concerned that they were being lazy and simply wanting to reap the benefits of what their countrymen would achieve.
Moses would only grant them concessions if they would be willing to fight for the Lord - they needed to fight to receive any benefit.
Numb 32:23 is a fantastic verse reminding us of the permanence of sin's consequences - they are ever-present and wreak havoc in one's life. Sin is not to be trifled with.
Ch 33 Moses takes note of each of the stages of the journey, as he has been commanded to by the Lord.
The reminder of Israel's entry into the promised land is that it was not rushed, but rather was something they had taken their time over. They were to be holy and wholly ready for what God was bringing to them.
Ch 35 God's standards of holiness are the highest of high and cannot be fudged, although He still has room for His grace and mercy.
Mark 1:1 The good news - different from just a biography, this is good news about God.
John the Baptist anticipated repentance and the forgiveness of sins. He also foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus preached the good news of God - His Kingdom is near, repentance & belief of the good news was to happen.
Father, Son & Spirit are all active in this early section of Mark, along with Satan. It's a reminder that the work of God is Trinitarian, but not without significant opposition from the Evil One.
Moses would only grant them concessions if they would be willing to fight for the Lord - they needed to fight to receive any benefit.
Numb 32:23 is a fantastic verse reminding us of the permanence of sin's consequences - they are ever-present and wreak havoc in one's life. Sin is not to be trifled with.
Ch 33 Moses takes note of each of the stages of the journey, as he has been commanded to by the Lord.
The reminder of Israel's entry into the promised land is that it was not rushed, but rather was something they had taken their time over. They were to be holy and wholly ready for what God was bringing to them.
Ch 35 God's standards of holiness are the highest of high and cannot be fudged, although He still has room for His grace and mercy.
Mark 1:1 The good news - different from just a biography, this is good news about God.
John the Baptist anticipated repentance and the forgiveness of sins. He also foretold the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus preached the good news of God - His Kingdom is near, repentance & belief of the good news was to happen.
Father, Son & Spirit are all active in this early section of Mark, along with Satan. It's a reminder that the work of God is Trinitarian, but not without significant opposition from the Evil One.
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